Escalating developments in infrastructure are making the idea of road trips quite fascinating. Unlike the old times, people do not worry about bumpy roads, bad vehicle or wrong routes anymore. Instead, the idea of exploring new places and driving across smooth highways all alone or with your favorite company fascinates many people today.
The desire to drive through long distances is significantly on the rise. A survey from 2016 to 2017 shows that the percentage of road trips taken by Americans grew from 22 to 39 percent. However, it is not rainbows and butterflies every time. Sometimes, long road trips can turn out to be a disaster.
To make your road trip a success, take some time to evaluate the upcoming conditions. It is going to be an adventure, only if you prepare for it with due responsibility.
Here is a to-do list to help you stay on top of things before you set out on an adventure of a lifetime:
Prepare your car
Good condition of the vehicle plays a vital role in defining the comfort levels of your expedition. For starters, get your car cleaned and washed inside out. Then, make sure the oil is sufficient, and the tires have the right pressure.
Scheduling an appointment with an automotive service technician is the safest option. They will check the air conditioner, brakes, windshield wiper brakes, and the tire pressure. A thorough check-up will help prevent any mishaps or breakdowns while on the road.
It is possible that your current vehicle is not in a condition to travel long distance. In that case, you can rent out from an authentic service, or you can call up the agency of car buyers. They evaluate your car and finalize the paperwork in minutes. You can then purchase a new vehicle with that money.
Another element to consider is the case of an emergency. Accidents or mishaps are always a probability, whether you are traveling by road or even via air. Having a handy emergency supply kit for your road travel is necessary. This kit should include:
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Antibacterial wipes
- Band-aids and ointments
- Medicines: pain, stomach relief, allergy, inhalers, etc.
- Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
You can keep any other items according to your requirements.
Fuel up your tech game
Using technology throughout the trip is not always a good idea. But to some extent, we need to use technical devices to make things easier. For example, you need a GPS for directions and Bluetooth for connecting with the car speaker system.
The biggest consideration while preparing up your tech stuff is to make sure that every piece of hardware works well. The devices must have a full charge, and you should have all the cords required.
A myriad of apps is available to make your road trips easier than ever. There is no need to carry travel books anymore. You can download an app for that purpose. Besides this, you can also install apps that can be helpful in many ways. They can give you real-time traffic information, help you find the best places to eat, locate cheaper gas stations, and more!
Be Realistic About Distance
Delays are highly possible when driving through a long distance. Having reasonable distance expectations allows you to have fun during the journey. Whereas putting too much pressure on yourself to reach a particular destination at a certain time can ruin the trip. You find yourself slogging the last few miles or canceling a hotel reservation.
Before you plan out how many hours it is going to take, keep in mind that you can stop along the way. It is better to plan that you stopover somewhere for the night. Or you can split up the driving time with any of your car fellows.
Get Packed
Packing for a road trip can be distressing. From eatables to leisure, you have to take all the essentials. It also depends on the travel duration and the size of the car. You can allow each passenger to bring their backpacks if space allows. In case something doesn’t fit, they have to leave it.
Stocking up on car activities is important, especially if you have kids on board. Pick a few items that will keep them quiet and occupied throughout the journey. These can be crafts, books, journals, card games, and washable crayons.
Car travelers tend to become cranky when they have low blood pressures or feel thirsty. Packing snacks according to the taste and preference of each member is imperative. You may not find casual food stops along the way.
Following are some food options to carry before you hit the road:
- Frozen water bottles
- Perishable fruits and vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, apples, and oranges)
- Multi-grain crackers or chips
Secure your home
Before going on long trips, one must secure their home and ensure that there is no chance of a break-in. They must connect interior lights to timers, hold the newspaper deliveries and turn on the exterior lights.
Additionally, they can ask a next door neighbor to keep a check on their front door. Installing an alarm and a CCTV system are also the extra security measures that they can take.
Know where you are going
If this is your first visit to the place, take out some time to know more about it. Learn about the must-visit places in the region and the kind of climate they have. You can read books, watch videos or ask people who have been there already.
It really helps if you know a little about the places where you are staying. You can pack things that you might need during the stay.
During initial car trips, you might miss out on a few things and have daunting experiences. But keeping an open mind, staying patient and flexible is the key to a successful trip. Expect for the best things to happen, but prepare for the worst too. With that state of mind, every member of the car can have an exciting road trip.